Seniors .... Is It Time to Make the Move?

Scarsdale is a special place and a wonderful community for seniors. The Village sponsors senior recreational programs, lectures, and trips specifically designed for seniors. And then there are a rich variety of adult education programs at the high school in the fall, winter, and spring. The Library, too, has numerous public programs for seniors year-round. And because Scarsdale is so close to the city it is easy for seniors to take advantage of the rich cultural offerings at world-class museums, concert halls, and of course Broadway. Westchester also has a host of cultural offerings many of which are presented at nearby Purchase College.

There are, however, a large number of seniors who because of infirmities, the loss of close family or friends, an inability to drive, poor finances, or simply a lack of motivation or a feeling of insecurity do not take advantage of the many opportunities our community has to offer.

As many seniors grow older, whether in good health or not, their housing needs change markedly. In earlier years they may have been searching for more space, a larger home, more prestige, or the best schools. At some point, their priorities shifted and those issues now aren't as important as they once were. For those seniors who are planning to downsize, one option is the increasing number of senior living communities here in Westchester and elsewhere.

However, you may be asking yourself am I ready for Senior community living? Before you say "I'm not ready for a retirement community," you owe it to yourself to answer these questions.

What is it I'm not ready for? Often, people confuse moving to a senior living community with giving up all the things they hold dear. You may find today's senior communities to be far different than you might have imagined. They are for people who want to maintain their independence, expand their horizons, and make their own decisions. So residents enjoy life more - not less.

Increasingly seniors are moving to senior living communities and saying goodbye to increased property taxes, increased school taxes, maintaining the condition and appearance of their home, insurance, mortgage, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, electrician, painting, landscaping, security and cleaning services, among other expenses.

In fact, you may be a senior or a child of the senior, who is seriously thinking of moving to a senior community. If this is the case here are a few things you should know. Selecting the right senior living community is an important decision that involves more than simply choosing a floor plan - it's about lifestyle. And in addition to meeting social, emotional, spiritual, cultural, educational and recreational requirements, you also want to ensure that there is a continuum of care in place to meet the senior's needs if and when they change.

How will you know when it is time to sell your home and move to a senior community? Do you worry about home maintenance? Are you tired of shopping and preparing meals? Is driving an increasing concern? Do you have health concerns? Are you troubled about personal safety and the security of your home? Would you like to explore new interests and meet new friends? If so, now may be the time to experience the freedom a service-enriched senior living lifestyle can offer you.

Still, you may be asking yourself why should I consider a move if I'm still healthy? For some seniors the answer is the following question, can you think of a better time to move? Most people need to make housing adjustments as they grow older, and most residents who have moved to quality senior living communities say that they're glad they decided to move while this important decision was still theirs to make. You've planned ahead your whole life, so you may not want to wait until a crisis forces you or your loved ones into a decision you haven't prepared for.
Does a senior living community make sense financially? When compared to the monthly expenses and upkeep of a house, many senior living residents have found that they actually spend less per month and gain countless additional benefits by moving to a senior living community.

Does maintaining a home in Scarsdale make sense for most seniors? The answer is – definitely for many and probably not for others.

John Baer is a licensed real estate agent associated with Prudential Centennial Realty, a resident of Scarsdale for the past 42 years, and since the 1980s a consultant to senior living communities helping them enrich their environments. John now assists senior home sellers interested in senior communities navigate through the confusing options by identifying the right environment for each senior based on his or her individual circumstance. To learn more about this topic he can be reached at jbaer@PruCent.com or visit his website at www.WestchesterHomes.info.